Updated F-150 3.5L, New 10-Speed Improves Fuel Economy
Photo of the F-150 courtesy of Ford.
Ford’s F-150 MY-16 and MY-17 models are now being offered with an updated 3.5-L EcoBoost V-6 engine that offers an improved EPA over the previous generation engine, which is mated with an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission.
For the 2017 model, EPA-estimated city, highway, and combined fuel economy is 18/25/21 mpg for the 4x2 model and 17/23/20 mpg for the 4x4. The 2016 4x2 offers and EPA-estimated 17/24/20 mpg, and the 4x4 is at 16/22/18 mpg, according to the automaker.
This second-generation 3.5-L EcoBoost engine delivers 375 hp and 470 lb.-ft., a gain of 10 hp and 50 lb.-ft. over the first-generation engine.
The new 10-speed automatic transmission available for 2017 F-150 4x2 and 4x4 models optimizes engine power and torque ranges, with closer ratios between gears and patented hydraulic controls. The powertrain combination provides better low-end and peak performance, according to the automaker.
The all-new 3.5-L EcoBoost includes a new twin-port and direct-injection fuel strategy, lighter and stronger crank and valvetrain components, redesigned twin turbocharger with electronic wastegate, and redesigned valvetrain and variable-displacement oil pump.
A new adaptive shift-scheduling algorithm monitor more than a dozen powertrain and driver control signals in real time. Additionally, a high-speed one-way clutch allows for non-sequential shifting, according to the automaker.
Weight savings play a key role in improved shifting performance. The 10-speed gearbox offers an integrated torque converter/turbine clutch that shaves more than two pounds, while reducing the packaging footprint, according to the automaker.